Setting a New Year’s resolution to eat healthy is a great way to kick off 2017! One of our November articles focused on how kids can help with healthy meal planning. All ages can hop into action in the kitchen; teens can take the lead on preparing and cooking dishes while small children can help with measuring and stirring. Giving youth jobs according to their age and ability level will teach them valuable skills like safety in the kitchen and how to prepare healthy, nutritious dishes, and will build their confidence for independent cooking and baking in the future. Additionally, kids are less likely to turn up their noses at food that they have helped to prepare, since they have a first-hand appreciation of the time and energy than went into making their meal!
Having your kids join while you’re making nutritious food starts with having a kitchen stocked with healthy ingredients. Stores often design their advertising and layout to encourage you to buy unhealthy items.
Here are some helpful hints to stick to healthy purchases while doing your grocery shopping:
- Do not shop when you are hungry.
- Check the store brands. They are just as good as name brands and cost a lot less.
- Avoid the displays at the end of the aisles or near the checkout counter. These foods are usually expensive and unhealthy.
- Make a shopping list at home and take it with you. Buy only what you have on the list.
- Choose seasonal fruits and vegetables. They are fresher and are usually cheaper.
What delicious fruits and vegetables are in season right now?
- apples
- avocados
- bananas
- beets
- broccoli
- brussel sprouts
- cabbage
- carrots
- cauliflower
- grapefruit
- oranges
- pears spinach
- squash
- sweet potatoes
- swiss chard
- tangerines
- tomatillos
- turnips
Once your kitchen is stocked with delicious produce, you are ready to go! The cookbook linked below in English and Spanish has a bundle of healthy recipes created for teens and their families. Happy cooking!
EASY MEALS AND SNACKS, a Healthy Cookbook for Teens
ALMUERZOS Y BOCADILLOS FACILES …un libro de recetas saludables para adolescentes
